The prevalence of mental disorders in Taiwanese prisons: a nationwide population-based study

Abstract

Purpose

In Taiwan, few studies explored the morbidity of mental disorders among prisoners. The purpose of this study is conducted to estimate the prevalence of mental disorders in Taiwanese prisoners.

Methods

Based on Nationwide population-based databank, 82,650 prisons were studied for mental disorders. Mental disorders were assessed with the International Classification of Diseases 9th revision Clinical Modification (ICD-9-CM).

Conclusion

A substantial proportion of prisoners reported having mental disorders. The results suggests the necessity of comprehensive assessment and more treatment programs that offer alternatives to incarceration of mental health for the criminal justice system in Taiwan.

Keywords

Notes

Compliance with ethical standards

Conflict of interest

I certify that all my affiliations with or financial involvement in, within the past 5 years and foreseeable future, any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript are completely disclosed (e.g., employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, royalties).

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